Discussion

Explanation:

The passage begins with how History differs from the pure sciences in that pure sciences (like Physics) help predict the future, while History does not. Learning history helps us to be free of the past – in that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past. History gives us the perspectives that shaped the lives of past generations. “Studying history… enables us to turn our head this way and that, and begin to notice possibilities that our ancestors could not imagine, … By observing the accidental chain of events that led us here, we realize how our very thoughts and dreams took shape – and we can begin to think and dream differently. Studying history will not tell us what to choose, but at least it gives us more options”
This widening of perspective is best expressed in option 5. The word eclectic means “selecting what appears to be best in various doctrines, methods, or styles.” All other options are factually correct but limited in scope. They do not capture the essence of the passage.
Hence, the correct answer is option 5.

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